ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday emphasised that investment in freight services and the timely completion of large-scale infrastructure projects should form the cornerstone of Pakistan Railway’s long-term development strategy.
Speaking at a review meeting on the progress of the Pakistan Railway’s development projects, Shehbaz said that modernised, world-class freight services could not only facilitate the transport of industrial goods but also substantially increase the railway’s annual revenue.
The prime minister directed officials to secure the necessary financial and institutional approvals for ongoing mega projects in advance, warning that delays in such arrangements could hinder project completion.
He specifically highlighted the importance of cooperative efforts between provincial and federal governments to expedite key projects, including the Main Line-1 (ML-1), Main Line-3 (ML-3), and the Thar Coal Rail Project.
“The timely and quality completion of mega projects can reduce construction costs and conserve valuable resources,” Sharif said, according to an official statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office.
He also confirmed that budgetary allocations for these projects would be included in the forthcoming fiscal budget.
The prime minister underscored the government’s focus on meeting global standards in project execution, ensuring administrative transparency, and enhancing overall performance.
He commended Pakistan Railways for its work in improving passenger facilities and upgrading railway stations, describing the efforts as “commendable.”
Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi and the Federal Secretary Pakistan Railways Syed Mazhar Ali Shah briefed the prime minister on progress made so far.
They claimed that reforms in the freight sector were expected to generate “historic” revenue of up to Rs40 billion by June this year.
The meeting was also attended by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal, the special assistant to the prime minister on industry and production Haroon Akhtar, and senior officials from relevant departments.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
Comments